Formal essay writing style is more limited than its creative counterparts. The style strand evaluates the formal register, or formal style, of the author’s writing as well as their craft.
Register:
Addresses the appropriateness of style/language for the task/audience. For academic writing pieces assessed using this rubric, we strive for formal register.
Craft:
Craft refers to the specific writer’s moves in expository writing.
Sentence Fluency focuses on the type, fluidity, and effect of sentences within the essay. Strong sentence fluency leads to natural, active, and concise writing.
Fluency:
Fluency is the ability to expertly deliver information quickly, naturally, and correctly.
Concision:
Concision is marked by effective and efficient communication: it is free of superfluous information and requires a strong command of language and a dedication to revision.
This strand evaluates one’s ability to select the best word to communicate an idea and utilize a broad range of dynamic, striking, and sophisticated words.
Diction:
Selecting the best word to most clearly and powerfully communicate an idea.
Range:
The breadth of words used correctly; an author’s vocabulary.
Authors need to understand and apply grammatical rules; they also need to spell correctly.
Grammar:
These are Standard English rules of communication.
Spelling:
This criterion evaluates spelling in an essay.
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Register
Craft
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
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Fluency
Concision
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
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Diction
Range
0
1
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Spelling
Grammar
0
6